Advansa, a company focused on the development and eco-responsible production of a broad range of specialized technical fibres, including short-cut fibres for paper & wet-laid processes, launches Adva terra – a biodegradable polyester fiber made of 100% recycled feedstock. The ability to be degraded by microorganisms in biologically active environments is a contribution to reducing the pollution potential of articles containing plastic.

Plastic pollution is a global problem of increasing concern. Each year, more than 380 million tons of plastic is produced, plastic waste of the same order is generated. With improper waste management, a significant fraction is entering our natural ecosystem and oceans. This is causing environmental, animal, and human health concerns, as typical plastic materials, are estimated to break down within 500 years – if at all. Without fundamental changes to the ongoing consumption and waste management of plastics, by 2050 there may be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Here, biodegradable plastics could be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Advansa applies an innovative technology to combine sustainability and biodegradability in one product. Adva terra Fibres originating from 100% post-consumer PET bottles are engineered via proprietary modifications to provide biodegradation capabilities without sacrificing from favorable mechanical properties of PET. Adva terra is available as water-dispersible short cut fiber for the paper and wet-laid nonwoven industry as well as staple fiber for dry-laid nonwovens and tow for the floc industry in various fineness and cut length combinations. Thus, Adva terra can be used in production across diverse end-use applications, even for applications with food contact.

What makes it impressive is that products made from Adva terra have the same properties as conventional non-biodegradable standard fibers and can be processed just as easily, minimizing environmental consequences without sacrificing quality and performance. In addition, ADVA terra is suitable for recycling after completing lifecycle which further improves the environmental impact by reduction of waste.

According to our laboratory studies based on the ASTM D5511 test scheme, Adva terra is expected to biodegrade to 30% to 60% within 12 months – a degradation rate comparable to some natural fiber materials which may take from some months to few years.

For more details: www.advansa.com